Wines
of the Week:
Great Values for the New Year
If
your resolution for the New Year is to spend less money, but
you don't want to make too much sacrifice on the quality of
your wine, then here are some bottles you should really check
out. They're all available for under $15 and still deliver with
some nice to sip.
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Pine
Ridge 2016 White Blend
Winery:
Pine Ridge
Grape(s): 80% Chenin Blanc & 20%
Vioginer
Region: California
Year:
2016
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
A mix of stone fruits, orange blossoms, and melons greets
the senses. A sip reveals flavors of honeydew, tangerine,
and peach, alongside accents of white flowers. Lush fruit
is balanced by a friendly acidity, making this quite an
approachable wine. Pair with sweet and sour pork.
Rating: 90 |
|
Carlos
Serres 2016 Tempranillo
Winery:
Carlos Serres
Grape(s): Tempranillo
Region: Rioja, Spain
Year:
2016
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 5-10
Review:
Black cherries and plums meld with nuances of pepper,
anise, and earth on the nose. Lots of dark fruit flows
into suggestions of licorice, earth, and spice on the
palate. Plush tannins frame a combo of fruity and savory
flavor that make this a very nice buy for under $10.
Rating: 89 |
|
Bonterra
2016 Chardonnay
Winery:
Bonterra
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Mendocino County, California
Year:
2016
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
A vibrant nose of green apples, lemons, tart pineapples,
and toasty, buttery oak greets the senses. Crisp apple,
citrus, and pineapple flavors meld with hints of vanilla
and butter on the palate. There's a fairly lively acidity
here, which will appeal to fans of crisper Chardonnay;
pair a bottle with grilled chicken breast.
Rating: 89 |
|
Trapiche
"Broquel" 2015 Malbec
Winery:
Trapiche
Grape(s): 100% Malbec
Region: Mendoza, Argentina
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
The nose brings together elements of blueberries, blackberries,
floral earth, and pepper. Polished but still sturdy tannins
frame lots of dark berry flavors that are accented by
earth, violets, and anise on the palate. Round, rich,
and a little bit hearty, it will make a fine companion
for spicey Mexican dishes.
Rating: 90 |
By
Jason Barlow
Other
Related Links:
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
|
*Wines
rated with a "+" need
a bit more time to reach peak quality
but will
do so over the coming years
|